News

Report: Gretzky out as Coyotes coach if Reinsdorf gets team

News

Report: Gretzky out as Coyotes coach if Reinsdorf gets team

According to a report in the Toronto Sun a condition in Chicago Bulls and White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf's bid to buy the Phoenix Coyotes is that coach Wayne Gretzky leaves the team.

Gretzky, who has coached Phoenix for four seasons, but has yet to make the playoffs, is set to make $6.5 million next season and $8 million the season after that - a number inflated to secure his spot as a part-owner of the team. The report states Reinsdorf is not interested in paying a coach more than five times the average salary for someone in that position.

Despite recent reports claiming Gretzky backed Reinsdorf's bid, the two have yet to meet to discuss the future of the franchise.

A hearing to decide who is the current rightful owner of the hockey team - the NHL or Jerry Moyes - is set to take place Tuesday at 1 p.m. PST.